Dear GEO Members,
A Coalition of UMass Unions across MA/the UMass system have started a campaign for #PaidLeave4All, and other measures to ensure workers survive this pandemic and the extraordinary risks, economic hardships, and viability issues we all face to varying degrees. We are asking everyone (members and all people) to email Governor Baker and President Meehan (UMass System) with the demands below.
Share this link and the demands as part of your messaging.
Click here to sign/send a letter! When you click on the link, it will prompt you to enter your info, after which the page will autofill the demand letter below, at the bottom of this email (after the asterisks).
Are you a social media butterfly? Join our Social Media Campaign! Take a picture with your message. Here are some samples, but feel free to be creative!
- Paid Leave Saves Lives
- Paid Sick Leave 4 All!
- Care Work IS Work!You can use these hashtags, if that’s your thing!
#PaidLeave4All
#PaidLeave4All
#StayHome4Everyone
#Home4ThePublicGood
#PaidLeaveSavesLives
#PayThePeopleNow
Share it on Social media using the hashtags above!
Tag UMass Leaders, and Your State Reps, Governor Baker, any local leaders like your mayor, city councilors, school committee members. Here are some examples:
UMass Administration
- @MartyMeehan
- @KSubbaswamy
- @DeanJohnMc
- @UmassAmherst
- @UMass
- @UmassBoston
- @UmassLowell
State Reps
- @MassGoverner
- @CharlieBakerMA
- @SenWarren
- @SenMarkey
- @RepMcGovern
It might look something like this. Feel free to smile!
What are the demands?Here they are!!!
***
President Meehan and Governor Baker,
The unprecedented crises we face due to the spread of COVID-19 requires decisive action on your part to ensure the health and financial well-being of all workers and families.
UMass Unions United, which represents thousands of employees across the University of Massachusetts system, is demanding more guidance and transparent communication as we strive to adjust to challenges we all face in stopping the spread of coronavirus.
The coalition wants you to:
• Work with the unions to drastically reduce the number of employees required to report to campus. The vast majority of employees should work remotely. UMass is currently requiring too many workers to be on campus, which will exacerbate the spread of COVID-19.
• Ensure that workers who remain on campuses be eligible for hazard pay and have access to whatever materials and resources they need to maintain a safe environment. This means minimal staffing levels that allow for the type of physical distancing health officials recommend, as well as access to gloves, masks and cleaning materials. Cleaning protocols must be established and shared with all members of our UMass community.
• Allow those employees who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19, live with others at high risk or who need time to care for themselves or others to work remotely with flexible schedules.
• Pay all workers. Don’t penalize those who are not working as a result of the pandemic. The university must be a leader here for the common good and urge all employers — including those in the private sector — to support workers during this crisis.
• Guarantee that all workers have access to health insurance and COVID-19 testing.
In Solidarity,
GEO Leadership & Staff
